Annie trained as a primary teacher in the 1980s and has since taught in a range of community and church schools in the UK, Germany and Cyprus before settling in Kent. She has taught the full age range from 3-18 and TEFL. She was a Headteacher for 10 years. During this time she became a Director of Shepway Teaching School, one of the first cohort of Teaching Schools, with responsibility for leading Initial Teacher Training. She was also an LLE before being seconded to the Diocese of Canterbury part-time during the final 18 months of Headship. Initially, this was to oversee school improvement for the 103 church schools across the Diocese but the role changed to become one of developing the Multi-Academy Trust. Annie was appointed as full-time CEO of the Trust in September 2015.
Marian was our first appointment and joined the trust in November 2014. Marian has over twenty years’ experience of finance and business within education at both primary and secondary level. She was involved in the strategic implementation of academy status in her previous role and was seconded to the Kent Catholic Schools’ Partnership as Interim Business Director to help set up the infrastructure of their multi-academy trust. Marian was a School Business Manager Advocate for the National College for four years and supported schools and individuals across the South East of England. She has spoken at national conferences and delivered training sessions in financial matters to aspirant school leaders and business managers. She became a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) in 2012 and continues to support individual leaders and schools in their business and financial needs, particularly exploring different models of financial sustainability and staffing structures.
As an Executive Headteacher in Kent, Lorna’s ability to transform failing schools into higher performers is proven by results: from special measures to requires improvement with leadership graded as good in 16 months (Archbishop Courtenay C.E. Primary School) from Notice to improve too good in two years (St Michaels C.E .Junior School) from cause for concern to outstanding in 4 years (St Michaels C.E. Infant School). In January 2014 her Infant school gained its third outstanding OFSTED in seven years.
Lorna achieved these results by having high expectations, mentoring and coaching staff to become good and outstanding classroom practitioners, having a passion and vision for excellence in education and growing leaders to enable sustainability throughout three schools that she has led. For example, four senior leaders from her former schools have gone onto headships and head of school in Kent schools.
As a National Leader of Education from 2008-2015, she collaborated with schools across Kent Sussex and Surrey to improve standards of achievement and attainment. Classroom practitioners, Headteachers, and LA officers came to observe outstanding practice across the three schools but especially Key Stage one. She was also commissioned through the National College to go and support schools to improve standards. She supported leadership and management and teaching and learning in several schools over a period of 7 years. This required a high level of competence in interpreting data, the ability to hold challenging conversations with leaders in vulnerable schools, to conduct work scrutiny and lesson observations and be able to change a culture in a school to one of positivity and success.
Lorna has met with the DFE to discuss how to raise standards across the country and met with a previous Secretary of State, Michael Gove, regarding educational policy. In 2012, she completed the Pacific Institute Investment in Excellence facilitator training programme. This was an initiative by Kent to deliver a world-class programme for coaching and mentoring leaders in education. She successfully completed the programme and was able to put this into practice in training sessions across four schools in Kent.
St Michael’s C.E. Schools Federation has been recognised nationally and internationally in a historic publication on the history of Parliament (2015). This book has been distributed to all members of the United Nations, UK and overseas embassies and Members of Parliament. This recognised the performance of the St Michaels C.E. Schools Federation and the role it played in leading by using the teachings of hope, faith and charity. St Michael’s was one of only 25 schools chosen to appear in this prestigious publication. It recognised excellence in education and the impact the school’s ethos and culture had on the community.
As a School Improvement Partner for the Aquila she provide professional challenge and support for schools. She acts as a critical and professional friend to our schools, helping leadership teams to evaluate school performance, identify priorities for improvement and plan for effective change.
Jenny is a highly motivated and experienced school leader who is able to work as an effective partner with all our academies, building on the excellent progress that the trust has made to date across our successful schools, and supporting those schools who have further challenges to overcome. She has many years of experience as a headteacher and executive headteacher as well as wider experience leading school improvement beyond her own school. This has included working as an LA specialist maths teacher, leading cohorts of ‘Every Lesson Counts’ (designed to move teachers from good or better). More recently, she worked as a Kent Leader of Education and has supported leadership teams in non-Aquila schools through this role. Jenny also works as an OFSTED inspector and can bring her experience and the associated ongoing training from this role to identify areas for improvement within Aquila schools, supporting the development of strategic planning and providing consultation on their journey to further improving the quality of education within the school.
Claire joined the trust in 2015 as a Deputy Headteacher. Since this time she has had a focus on driving up standards by ensuring consistent high quality teaching through an engaging, relevant and progressive curriculum. Claire has worked to develop ECTs throughout the Aquila Trust and is currently a lead practitioner for the DfE Behaviour Hubs program, supporting schools across London and the South East. Claire has a passion for a values-led approach to raising school standards and is committed to supporting schools across the Aquila Trust to be the best that they can be specifically for the children in their care.
Chris joined the Trust is September 2018, having worked previously for Kent County Council as an Educational Psychologist. As well working for Aquila, Chris splits his time between his roles for the University of East Anglia and the Institute of Education, University College London. At both universities Chris supports the educational psychology doctorates, leading on fitness to practice and research methodologies.
Chris supports schools throughout the trust and wider on developing inclusive practices. Chris applies his research knowledge to support schools in developing a supportive environment for children to learn and thrive. Chris is a value-led psychologist, helping schools to develop while school approaches to children social and educational needs.
Since being at Aquila, Chris has led on the development on the ELSA network across the trust, having trained over 40 staff to support children’s emotional needs, as well as a project implementing AI with Send systems. Chris continues to work on a wide variety of projects with school to support their approaches with children in the classroom.
Izzy completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology with Education at the University of Sussex, gaining deep understanding of the psychological theory underpinning best practice for supporting the development, learning and well-being of young people.
Izzy joined Aquila in 2022 as a Teaching Assistant at Reculver CE Primary School, taking on an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant role as well as coordinating their new OPAL (outdoor play and learning) project.
Now as an Assistant Educational Psychologist in the Trust, Izzy will be working collaboratively with schools and families to support positive learning experiences for young people. Adopting an empathetic, person-centred approach with inclusive practice at the heart of her work, Izzy is committed to removing educational barriers and creating opportunities for all children to flourish in school and beyond.
Theresa joined Aquila in 2024 as the Lead SENCO. She works collaboratively with SENCOs to oversee support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring a joined-up approach across the Trust.
Theresa has over 25 years teaching experience across the primary age range. She has been a SENCO and Inclusion Lead since 2017. Throughout her career she has been involved in mentoring and leading training for colleagues, including acting as a facilitator for Aquila’s Early Career Teachers.
Theresa is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every child has the support they need to succeed. With high expectations and a love for teaching and learning, she takes a child-centred approach, focusing on patience, collaboration, and individualised attention.
Tracey joined the Trust in February 2017. Tracey has had a career in administration and secretarial support spanning more than 35 years and has worked in a variety of highly pressurised environments where outstanding skills in organisation and time management have been essential in ensuring that deadlines and objectives are met. Prior to joining the trust she created and worked as the office manager for Shepway Teaching School Alliance for 5 years. In 2018 Tracey was appointed as the DPO for the Trust overseeing 16 schools. Recently Tracey has completed her Data Protection and Information Governance qualification and was promoted to Head of Compliance and Administration in 2022.
Jessica joined the trust in October 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in administration with her. A highly organised individual, Jessica has worked in many industries from corporate business, to the hospitality and event industry. Often working in high-pressure environments, she is used to working to tight deadlines and using her keen attention to detail.
Abbie has worked within the Estates and Facilities sector for over 26 years. Starting her career as a Maintenance Administrator, she progressed through gaining experience in associated roles and studying part time. Abbie has worked for Local Government, Housing Association and NHS and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience whilst managing different property portfolios, Health and Safety and IT. Abbie joined the Trust in October 2023.
Naomi joined the trust in March 2016. Before working in education, she gained wide financial experience in various roles supporting finance operations in the private sector. She developed significant experience over 8 years in a variety of school settings. Just prior to joining the Trust team she was employed by Kennington CE Junior Academy as a Bursar supporting their financial and business management. Her experience and skills in understanding Academy finances at the front line, particularly during the transitional period of becoming a member of Aquila, has added significant strength to the team. She now supports all of our Academies with a multitude of business and finance matters.
Ian has had extensive experience working in the education sector both as a qualified secondary teacher of Mathematics and working within the finance operations for both an independent school and a state school. Prior to this, Ian ran a successful children’s holiday camp for seven years. Ian joined Aquila in November 2020 as a Payroll and Finance Assistant and currently provides financial support for one of our schools and supports payroll for the wider trust. Ian is currently completing an AAT Level 4 apprenticeship which he will complete in July 2022. Ian was promoted to Assistant Payroll Manager in 2023.
Emma began her career in the Civil Service over 20 years ago and has extensive experience in a variety of mostly IT and Finance-related roles within the public sector, most recently for KCC. Following a career break to focus on her young family, Emma joined the Trust in January 2022 as Payroll Administrator and provides daily support to the Payroll Manager and central team.
Angela is a CIPD qualified HR professional, with over 25 years' generalist experience gained in the private, public and charity sectors. She joined Aquila in March 2024. Her previous role of nearly 18 years was working in an operational and strategic HR Director role for a company that were involved in professional education, further education and higher education, working over 3 UK sites and 2 international offices in the UAE & Singapore. As a HR generalist she managed the full employee lifecycle and specialised in recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, organisational developments and employee wellbeing & experience.
Alison initially trained as an accountant, but then moved into customer facing roles. Having given up work to raise her family, she became a school governor, and then Chair of Governors, for an Outstanding Church of England primary school. When it was time to return to work she realised that she wanted to use the experience she had gained and stay in education, and has worked in the offices of schools of different sizes and in different locations. Alison joined Aquila in 2018 in the office of one of their schools, and transferred to work for the Trust’s central team in October 2022.
Sarah is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in retail and hospitality. With over 20 years of experience, she has honed her expertise in training and developing teams, and Sarah's exceptional contributions to a prominent restaurant chain's HR department consistently drove growth and success. In 2019, Sarah embarked on a new journey at an Aquila school, where she utilised her skills to elevate the school's presence through captivating social media content and forging strong local partnerships. Sarah played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the school's office, witnessing a doubling of pupils during her four-year tenure. In 2023, Sarah joined the central team as a Finance and Personnel Assistant, expanding her proficiency in financial management. Driven by an unwavering passion for growth and learning, Sarah is dedicated to expanding her skill set in the realm of finance.
Julie has been involved in education in one form or another since 1995, when she qualified as a teacher. Her school-based experience included class teaching across the Early Years Foundation Stage and in Years 1 and 2, as well as in the role of Head of Pre-Prep in two local independent schools. Julie then went on to become an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector, before moving away from teaching in 2015 and training as a Reporting Inspector in 2016. Julie has also been a School Governor for a Kent based independent school, as a member of the Curriculum Committee and the named SEND Governor. Julie joined the Trust in January 2024.
Kerry started her career in Barclays Bank progressing through all roles ending in securities and investments. She moved onto a sales role within a large manufacturing company supporting aerospace and defence clients across the country. After starting a family she decided to find a career compatible with family life and found herself in Reculver Primary school, eventually playing a key role in the transfer to academy status on 1 July 2015. Kerry advanced to the role of School Business Manager and in 2018 gained her Level 4 Diploma in School Business Management which has further enhanced her skills and knowledge. Kerry joined the Central Team in September 2021 to assist the Trust in the implementation, development and training on the new finance system, along with offering support to the CFO on a daily basis.
Daisy joined Aquila in April 2019 to complete a business administration apprenticeship. She used the experience to learn about working environments and adapting to the needs of the central teams varied workload. Since then Daisy has completed her business administration apprenticeship, a level 3 AAT apprenticeship and is going on to AAT level 4. Using these skills Daisy provides financial service support to a school and helps to support all the members of the finance department.
Laura is a highly skilled and detail orientated Management Accountant with extensive experience in the automotive industry. With a Bachelor of Science in Economics and AAT Level4 NVQ in Accounting, Laura has a strong foundation in financial management, reconciliation, and reporting. Laura has held key accounting roles outside of the education industry, overseeing management accounts, financial reporting, budgeting and audit preparation. Ready for a new challenge, Laura joined the Trust in January 2024 as a Finance Officer and provides daily support to headteachers and the central finance team.
Melissa has worked in Education in a Finance Role since 2004 after qualifying as a Fellow of the Association of Accounts Technicians (AAT). In 2016 Melissa joined the Aquila Trust School Kingsnorth CEP, and has worked within several of the Trust schools as a Financial Officer. In February Mel moved to the Central Team to continue offering financial support in a centralised capacity.
Kellie joined the trust in November 2022 as a Finance Administrator, supporting the finance team. She was quickly promoted to Finance and Business Administrator due to skills and knowledge from previous roles, including finance & payroll and office management. Kellie has achieved level 3 in AAT and looking to start level 4.
Emma worked in the hospitality industry from for 17 years for Whitbread. After deciding to change career, she completed an early years educator level 3 apprenticeship within a nursery, and an online course AAT Accounting level 2 also whilst she was there. Emma then moved to a local secondary school working in the student office and then finance department whilst completing level 3 business administration apprenticeship. She loves problem solving and a challenge, and joined the trust in October 2023.
Kerry joined the Trust in February 2021. Kerry had an extensive career in Sales and Purchasing within the Publishing and Print industry, and holds many industry related qualifications including CIPs accreditation. After leaving full time employment following the arrival of her youngest daughter, Kerry joined St Georges Primary School as Clerk in December 2018. She is currently studying for the NGA Development for Clerks qualification, and also works for a local Charitable Trust.
Lynne joined the Trust in 2023, after four years being employed by Kent Police organising and monitoring the MARAC meetings for victims of Domestic Abuse across Ashford, Canterbury and Folkestone. Lynne’s background prior to Kent Police is predominately within Education and she worked within this sector for over 30 years. During this time her employment ranged from Education Welfare Officer through to Student Welfare Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead in a Further Education College. Lynne has gained many qualifications during her employment and is also a qualified lecturer
Jessica helps public, private and third sector clients from across the education and culture sectors to raise their public profile, manage their reputation, formulate their communications strategy, optimise their content for SEO and successfully influence their stakeholders. She also trains leaders for media interviews and difficult stakeholder meetings and will carry out reputation audits and write speeches, opinion pieces, articles and reports.
She has worked with some of the leading universities in the UK, high-profile independent and state schools, global education technology firms, household brands with education programmes and some of our most loved national cultural organisations.
She is the Guardian's former Education Correspondent and has worked in communications at the Home Office and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. She has also been Head of Communications (Education and Student Affairs) at University College London and Head of Communications and Campaigns at national youth charity The Challenge.
